In the women’s peloton, Lotte Kopecky was one of the best riders of the season. Yet Tom Boonen sometimes looks strange during the women’s road race.
Women’s Cycling is becoming increasingly popular, but the level is also increasing year after year. The races are becoming more exciting, such as the Giro and the Tour, which were only decided on the last day. The World Cup was also exciting.
Tom Boonen also watches the women’s matches, he says The Newspaper. “Because they are often really tough races. Those women’s races are sometimes bizarre to watch,” Boonen also thinks.
“Cycling tactics, I don’t understand what is happening 80 percent of the time. It is all so different from the men’s races.” An early escape is sometimes simply not possible among women, while this is the case among men.
Boonen and Beyen see a big difference in level
According to Boonen, the difference in level between the top and the category below is still too great. Commnetator Ine Beyen also sees this difference. “Women’s cycling simply does not have an intermediate category.”
The lack of separate competitions for promises may be an explanation. Good juniors have to compete directly against professionals. In 2025 there will be a separate U23 World Cup for women for the first time. “Finally a step in the right direction.”
